Dog-friendly holiday in North Jutland
A holiday in North Jutland is ideal for those wanting to bring their dog and enjoy both relaxation and nature. The Sæby area is особенно well suited, with nature, accommodation, and activities adapted for guests traveling with four-legged companions.
Accommodation close to nature
In Sæby, there are two attractive campsites: Hedebo Strand Camping and Svalereden Strand Camping. At both locations, you can bring your own caravan or rent a cabin where dogs are allowed.
The location is one of the biggest advantages. The campsites are situated close to both the beach and the forest, offering great opportunities for long walks in scenic surroundings. At the same time, a charming seaside promenade of about three kilometres leads directly into the town of Sæby.
At Hedebo Strand Camping, there are areas with extra peace and nature-oriented surroundings, including the sections called Alabama and Hawaii. Here, you’ll experience a particularly tranquil atmosphere, with good distance between neighbours and nature close at hand. Both campsites also offer facilities such as dog-washing stations, making it easy to rinse off sand and salt after a trip to the beach.
Nature experiences with your dog
The area around Sæby offers several experiences where dogs can easily join. One of the most atmospheric routes is The Forgotten Bridges—a roughly five-kilometre hiking trail winding through Sæby’s old beech forest.
The route can be started at both the harbour and Sæbygård Castle and passes ten different bridges made of wood, iron, and concrete. Along the way, information boards share the history of the area, while the trails lead through landscapes that once inspired Danish Golden Age painters. The walk also includes small sights such as Rottehullerne and Adda Ravnkilde’s Bridge, named after the local author.
Rules for dogs
When staying with a dog, certain rules must be followed. At the campsites, dogs must be kept on a leash, and the same applies on the beach from 1 April to 30 September.
Sæby Nordstrand is a Blue Flag beach, which means that dogs may only swim at least 200 metres away from the flagpole in either direction. Outside the high season, the rules are more relaxed, and nature can be enjoyed at a calmer pace.
From beach to town life
Sæby is a lively and charming coastal town, especially during the summer when events and music are frequent. The town square hosts activities and atmosphere, while the harbour area attracts visitors with restaurants, shops, and sea views.
The town also offers several green oases such as Nellemann’s Garden and Clasen’s Garden, perfect for peaceful walks – also with your dog. The area around the bat stop provides opportunities for small nature experiences in the evening.
Sæby River is one of the best areas for water bats. This is due to the many old and hollow trees near the water, giving bats ideal conditions for finding both food and shelter.
There are 17 species of bats in Denmark, and four of them can be found by the Sæby River: the Daubenton’s bat, the common pipistrelle, the serotine bat, and the northern bat.
Nature experiences with your dog in Sæby
Excursions in the area
For those who wish to explore more of North Jutland, there are several attractions within a short distance. The Bangsbo area near Frederikshavn is known for its diverse nature and well-maintained trail systems. It is also permitted to bring your dog to Aalborg Zoo, Farm Fun, and Fårup Sommerland.
Attractions where dogs are allowed
Fårup Sommerland – amusement park
Blokhus, North Jutland
Places to eat
In the town centre, there are several dining options, especially around the harbour, where you can bring your dog when sitting outside. Whether dogs are allowed indoors is up to each individual restaurant or café, so it is always a good idea to call ahead or ask.
At the harbour, Jacob’s Bistro is a popular and informal spot serving simple dishes and freshly caught fish. You can choose to take your food away or enjoy it outdoors at the picnic tables—of course, together with your dog.
Before your trip
Before departure, it is important to ensure that your dog meets the applicable travel requirements. Dogs from EU countries must be ID-marked with a microchip or ear tattoo and have a valid rabies vaccination given at least three weeks prior to arrival. In addition, the dog must have an EU pet passport issued by a veterinarian.
For extra safety, it is recommended that your dog wears a clearly visible ID tag with contact information.
